A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 28

What is the most unpleasant thing in the world? It’s giving something and then taking it back.

Losing my language while enduring a harsh life in the wilderness doesn’t bother me much.

It was just something I could brush off, thinking, “Oh, I must have suffered that much.” The key point is the God of Chaos.

I assume that in exchange for losing my language, I was granted the ability to survive in the forest.

If that’s all there is to it, I could let it slide. However, being toyed with by having my language given and then taken away in the middle of the night really pisses me off.

“Sivar. Want to try reading this?”

“El. Ri.”

“Wow! You can finally speak!”

For something that was given and then taken back, it’s relatively mild.

I couldn’t say more than two characters, but I could at least read one character aloud.

Even this is a significant achievement because it means I’m gradually moving away from being a Wildling.

“Want to try reading this sentence?”

“Damn.”

“Hmm. Sentences are still tough, huh?”

But whenever I tried to read a long sentence at once, “Damn” always came out.

Since Porori was nearby, it was better to ask for interpretation than to painstakingly focus on each character.

“So, friend. Was it because you asked the sky for help?”

“Chaos.”

“Not the sky, but Chaos? Who’s that?”

Porori managed to understand even though I only said one word.

It seems that with him, it’s not words but ‘intentions’ that are conveyed. This makes things much easier.

“Chaos? Are you talking about the God of Chaos, by any chance?”

Rod asked again with a slightly surprised expression upon hearing the word Chaos.

Feeling no need to hide it, I nodded affirmatively.

Rod made a subtle expression, as if the name was unexpected.

“Is there some kind of problem?”

Luna cautiously asked after noticing Rod’s expression. Honestly, there are plenty of problems.

As long as Chaos is watching, it’s better to throw away any faith-based gameplay.

Not only does it lower faith whenever possible, but even raising it is random.

“It’s not exactly a problem… it’s just that it’s Chaos. Do you know which domains the gods are responsible for?”

“I don’t really know…”

Ellie answered in a hesitant voice. Well, coming from a remote village, it’s understandable that she wouldn’t know much beyond herbs.

Luna was no different. She also waited for Rod to provide an answer.

“Gaia governs the earth, Gulak governs the sky, while Chaos governs the space in between. That’s why it’s still being studied what exactly Chaos governs, but most believe it represents humanity. After all, nothing is as ambiguous in morality and as chaotic as humans.”

“Then what happens if someone believes in Chaos?”

“Chaos isn’t a god you can believe in just by deciding to. Unlike other gods, you must be chosen by Chaos.”

“Chosen…”

Perhaps the idea of being chosen by a god was impressive, as Luna and Ellie looked at me with astonished eyes.

Sorry to disappoint them, but being chosen by Chaos doesn’t make you some kind of hero or anything.

‘A hero? More like a clown.’

While I was thinking that, Rod seemed to realize what kind of misunderstanding they were having.

He gave a bitter smile, glanced at me, and then spoke in a quieter voice than before.

“It’s not like what you’re imagining. Chaos is extremely capricious and often plays pranks.”

“Pranks?”

“For example, granting a blessing to enhance physical ability when healing is needed, or vice versa. The name Chaos fits perfectly.”

“I see. But isn’t Chaos still a good deity?”

Luna, surprised by the unexpected answer, asked another question.

Rod made a somewhat ambiguous expression at that question but reluctantly nodded.

“Though mischievous, Chaos is indeed good. Even if Chaos seeks fun and interest, blessings are never given to murderers who kill for pleasure.”

That’s precisely why Chaos is considered a ‘benevolent god.’ While Chaos may make people act like clowns, the line of basic ‘goodness’ is never crossed.

Even if violence is used, Chaos laughs if it’s justified violence, but becomes serious if violence is wielded for selfish gain.

Just like how hunting for survival in the forest was excused, but swearing profusely was not forgiven.

What a petty god.

[You have insulted a god! Faith decreases!]

…Not that I would actually say that! Just kidding.

While I was drumming and dancing in my head, Rod’s explanation continued.

“I feel a bit sorry to say this, but those blessed by Chaos… often tend to be a bit unhinged. At the same time, they possess immense physical strength.”

“Strong?”

“That’s because Chaos grants primal strength instead of divine power. That’s likely why Sivar’s physical ability is exceptionally strong.”

On top of that, Chaos even throws in techniques as a bonus. The Wild Instinct I was given is probably Chaos’s doing as well.

Perhaps the very System I have is Chaos’s ability.

If that’s the case, who summoned me to this place? That’s the real question.

“Doesn’t praying or offering tributes increase divine power with Chaos?”

“It entirely depends on the actions of the believer. As I mentioned earlier, Chaos tends to favor believers who are a bit unhinged.”

“…”

With the repeated emphasis, Luna and Ellie gave me peculiar looks.

It’s clear they were treating me as someone unhinged.

“What.”

Thankfully, I could keep it short. Even “Damn” would have been too long.

Honestly, I think of myself as a bit unhinged too.

After all, anyone would be after going through that madness in the forest.

“Ratatoskr. What did Sivar just say?”

Ellie asked Porori, seemingly finding my brief response too short.

But the only answer they got was that single word, “What.” It didn’t go any further.

“Exactly what you heard. Just one word.”

“Hmm… I wish he would speak more nicely.”

“Miss, you’re mistaken. Do you know how foul-tempered he is? He’s only holding back because it’s you.”

At that, Ellie looked at me with a worried gaze.

Whether in games or reality, her overly optimistic and oblivious personality made it hard to guess what she was thinking.

“Well, as long as no one hits him, there shouldn’t be any explosions. Just keep doing what you’re doing.”

“Really? That’s a relief. I thought Sivar wouldn’t bother learning to read since he could already speak.”

See? As expected, she was thinking something strange.

Regardless of speaking, I plan to keep learning to read. It’s essential for using Godin’s magic.

“…”

While Ellie sighed in relief, Luna’s face hardened.

It seemed she was thinking about the upcoming sparring. A match between Kara and me was scheduled.

Considering even Ratatoskr called me foul-tempered, there must be plenty of concerns.

‘There’s no need to worry too much.’

Even if Kara provokes me, she’ll only get hurt badly, not killed.

She’s one of the main characters, so killing her would complicate the story.

Not to mention, it would put me at odds with her father, endangering my life.

“Then should we postpone visiting the church? With the sparring coming up, everyone might need some free time.”

“Not a bad choice. You’re busy with Herbology, aren’t you?”

“Yes. I need to meet the potion quota anyway.”

Many students will bleed in the upcoming sparring.

Bruises are a given, and there might be cuts or broken bones.

However, no one will die, and there won’t be any major aftereffects.

‘Wasn’t there a team dispatched from the Gaia Temple on standby?’

With my regeneration ability, a potion is all it takes to recover. It just costs a bit more money.

“Still, it’s a bit concerning.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The fact that Sivar and Kara are going to spar.”

Rod looks at me as he speaks. Despite his words, his eyes don’t seem worried.

His expression suggests there’s something bothering him, though I can’t quite figure out what it is.

“Could it be that Sivar might… to Kara…”

“No. That’s not it. If that were the case, I would personally intervene. It’s just that her biological father has shown up.”

“Her biological father…”

“The King of Tatar.”

At Rod’s calm statement, both Luna and Ellie look puzzled.

To those from the countryside, a king is likely an entity too distant to feel real.

If Elvin were here, he would have taken this more seriously, but he’s currently hospitalized.

Rod chuckles heartily at the unexpected reactions.

“Old Human, a king is the highest among humans, right?”

During this, Porori asks Rod a question.

Though he speaks fluently, his understanding of common sense is still lacking.

“That’s correct.”

“Then is the king higher than you?”

“In terms of authority, yes.”

In terms of physical strength, Rod is superior. Before his poisoning, Rod was a true Old Monster.

In other words, the King of Tatar possesses slightly less physical strength than Rod.

Considering the Tatar Tribe are specialists in combat, and he reigns at the very top, it’s only natural.

“Anyway, the King of Tatar will likely observe Princess Kara’s match. He might have already heard about it.”

“What does that have to do with Sivar?”

“It’s not just Sivar—it’s the same for you. If you catch his attention, it could become quite bothersome.”

That “bothersome” doesn’t mean being crushed by power or anything like that.

It simply means he’ll show interest in a different way—a very burdensome kind of interest.

“I’m warning you in advance, though you’ll probably just brush it off. Well, it’s only if you draw attention, so don’t worry too much.”

“Hmm… Understood. For now, it’s best to focus on the sparring.”

“Yes, that would be best, but…”

Rod trails off and looks at me. I think I know what he’s worried about.

It’s a bit awkward to say, but he probably knows as well—it’s unlikely Luna will win against Kara.

On the other hand, I am different. He’s concerned I might actually defeat Kara.

‘It’s understandable.’

After all, Rod has faced Kara’s biological father a few times. He knows his disposition well.

Moreover, Kara’s biological father is infamous for instilling shock and fear in first-round users.

If Kara teaches the importance of technique, her father teaches something even greater.

“…I just hope no one gets seriously injured.”

The meaning behind those words will become clear soon enough.

******

Aside from learning to speak, life before the sparring was simple.

In the mornings, I listened to boring yet intriguing theories, and in the afternoons, I trained with Kara.

At first, Luna had some concerns about me training with Kara, but she eventually stopped interfering.

Kara was an excellent master, even from an objective standpoint, and she also extended Luna’s training hours.

“By the way, Kara, didn’t you say you were going to ask the Headmaster if you could become Sivar’s guardian?”

After autonomous training ended, Luna asked as Kara was roughly cleaning up the burst sandbag.

Kara seemed to think for a moment before responding with an “Ah, that’s right” expression.

“Oh, right. I completely forgot. I’ll bring it up after the sparring.”

It seems she genuinely forgot. For the record, I forgot too.

Since we were always together during autonomous training, it just naturally slipped my mind.

“But honestly, aren’t you already kind of like his guardian? Don’t you think so too?”

“Yeah.”

“See?”

Kara grinned and lightly patted my shoulder, a gesture of camaraderie.

Having followed her instructions without complaint during training, she seemed to like me a lot.

Moreover, she treated everyone equally, so we got along well.

“You still can’t speak perfectly, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, it’s better than nothing. Just not being mute is a big deal. Can you say my name?”

“Ka. Ra.”

“Good, good. I’ve never been so glad my name is short until today.”

Kara grinned as she slung the burst sandbags over her shoulder.

Despite their immense weight, she lifted them effortlessly, showcasing her considerable strength.

She quickly disposed of the damaged sandbags and tidied up the area. It was about time to leave.

“The sparring is after the weekend.”

“It seems so.”

“You don’t regret not learning combat, do you?”

“I don’t think I’ll have any regrets.”

You will. Even I feel slightly uneasy about not learning ground techniques.

Of course, it’s not that Kara deliberately withheld them—there simply wasn’t enough time.

So, she only taught me defensive measures in case I got caught in a ground technique.

“Kara.”

“Go ahead.”

“I heard your biological father is coming to the sparring.”

“…”

At those words, Kara’s previously cheerful expression hardened. It was clear she felt uncomfortable.

She then quietly asked in a slightly lowered voice.

“…Why?”

“The Headmaster said he’s incredibly strong…”

“Yeah, he is. Very strong. But that’s not what’s important right now, is it?”

Kara smiled faintly and placed her hand on Luna’s shoulder.

Though her eyes were smiling, there was an unspoken pressure not to say anything further.

Sensing this, Luna nodded with a reluctant expression.

“Yes, that’s… true.”

“If you’re curious about how strong His Majesty is, just beat me. Though, it won’t be easy for you.”

“…Such confidence.”

Kara quickly shifted the atmosphere, which could have turned awkward, though replacing awkwardness with tension might not have been the best choice.

“Even he knows, doesn’t he? That I’m stronger than you.”

Why am I being dragged into this? Kara suddenly brought me up, provoking Luna.

Luna glanced at me briefly at the provocation, then let out a hollow laugh as she spoke in a tone of disbelief.

“Ha. I don’t know what you’re basing that on.”

“What do you mean, ‘what’? He lived in the wilderness, so he’d naturally be better at things like this. It’s instinct.”

It’s not instinct—it’s because Kara knows her own abilities well.

Currently, Luna has no chance of defeating Kara. I can say that with confidence.

“Sivar.”

“Yeah.”

“Who do you think is stronger? Me or Kara?”

Perhaps her pride was wounded, as Luna asked me directly. Kara also turned to me with a confident expression.

What’s the point of asking? Without a moment’s hesitation, I raised my hand and answered boldly.

“Ka.”

Eventually, my finger pointed directly at Kara. Luna’s face hardened even more.

On the other hand, Kara wore a triumphant expression. She then placed her hand on my shoulder and spoke.

“See? Even this guy knows how to judge properly.”

“…He must have misunderstood the question.”

“Hmm~ I don’t think so~”

Kara smirked and continued her provocations. It seemed she was acting this way because her biological father was mentioned.

Of course, Luna had no way of knowing that. She looked back and forth between Kara and me, then shook her head.

“Arguing like this is pointless.”

“I completely agree with that.”

“Glad to hear it. And Sivar.”

Why me again?

As I looked at her with that meaning in my gaze, Luna spoke in a lecturing tone.

“You can’t judge the world based on intuition alone. This is a good opportunity to learn that.”

“… …”

She has quite a bit of pride herself. I wonder how she’ll react after getting thoroughly beaten.

“If you understand, give me an answer.”

Fine. I’ll give you an answer.

I responded in a monotone voice, enunciating each syllable clearly.

“Don’t? Know?”

“… …”

Luna’s expression soured in real time.

“Puhahahahaha!”

Kara burst into laughter, slapping my shoulder hard.